Yitro
Exodus 18:1 – 20:23
Jethro, Moses's father-in-law and priest of Midian, hears of all that God has done for Israel and comes to the camp, bringing Moses's wife and sons. Seeing Moses judge the people from morning to evening, Jethro advises him to delegate authority by appointing judges over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. The Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai, and after three days of preparation, God descends upon the mountain in thunder, lightning, smoke, and the sound of the shofar. God speaks the Ten Commandments directly to the entire nation — the foundational moment of divine revelation.
Key figures
- Jethro (Yitro) — Moses's father-in-law, priest of Midian, advises the establishment of a judicial system
- Moses — Mediator between God and the people, ascends the mountain to receive the commandments
- God — Descends upon Sinai and speaks the Ten Commandments to the entire nation
Famous verses
- 19:5-6 Now therefore, if you will heed My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then you shall be My treasured possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is Mine;
- 20:2-3 I am Hashem your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
- 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Haftarah: {'ref': 'Isaiah 6:1-7:6, 9:5-6', 'connection': "Isaiah's vision of God enthroned in the Temple, with the seraphim calling 'Holy, holy, holy,' mirrors the awesome theophany at Sinai where God reveals Himself in majesty."}
Total gematria: 282,327.